[She's not expected him to pry any deeper than he already has and there's wisdom in that. Who can tell what Beatrix is like when her defences are finally crawled beneath.
That said—]
I am not a woman who surrenders. Not in battle. Not to any woman or man, beast, or anything in between.
[She isn't sure she agrees. She doesn't even have to say it for that to be true. Eustace knows her well enough. He can probably picture exactly how she'd sound.]
Kindness I can accept. I do that well enough. That ought to be enough.
Then what is supposed to be enough? What is supposed to suffice? I thought this was supposed to be about alliances and cohorts, or whatever you may wish to call them.
[Friends. Although she supposes that it might not always be that simple.]
I'm not saying you have to open yourself up like a book. However, should you find someone you find yourself comfortable with, then you shouldn't resist or doubt so much.
Despite what you say or think, you make for amicable companionship.
You need to learn to trust them.
[Which he knows is difficult. Very, so very difficult for people like them. It took him quite a long time to get to where he is now, even after meeting Gran and working with his colleagues—his friends. But the first step is her facing the issue. After that... Well. There's only so much he can say since it's all up to her in the end.]
Unless their masochists, people wouldn't bother being with you if they didn't find something they liked or found enjoyable. The same is especially true with me.
Don't forget, we're similar and would prefer to be in our own space. The fact that we continue communicating should be proof enough that you are worth more than you wish to accept.
There's no need to think so negatively about yourself.
I appreciated the insight. It will take me time to adjust how I think. How I perceive. I will not be able to make any promises to you or anyone else who should think to show such interest in me.
In spite of that, I will listen to what others have to say with an open mind. Including Dohalim. That was the man you saw.
[Coming to her rescue now, is he. As if he's a brother. She's not certain anyone has ever done that for her. She's always the one protecting others. Looking out for others in her Beatrix sort of way.
How strange to have someone else doing that for her.]
I doubt such will be necessary, but if it comes up, I will be certain to keep you informed. Thank you, Eustace. Again.
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That said—]
I am not a woman who surrenders. Not in battle. Not to any woman or man, beast, or anything in between.
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[Beatrix please.]
The more you refuse and wall yourself off, the worse off you'll be.
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Kindness I can accept. I do that well enough. That ought to be enough.
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It won't.
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[Friends. Although she supposes that it might not always be that simple.]
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Despite what you say or think, you make for amicable companionship.
You need to learn to trust them.
[Which he knows is difficult. Very, so very difficult for people like them. It took him quite a long time to get to where he is now, even after meeting Gran and working with his colleagues—his friends. But the first step is her facing the issue. After that... Well. There's only so much he can say since it's all up to her in the end.]
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I will keep all of that in consideration. I do not think much of my companionship. I do not think anyone else ought to either.
[But maybe admitting that is the first step. Maybe, that's what she's needed to hear all along. Leave it to Eustace to be the hero.]
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Don't forget, we're similar and would prefer to be in our own space. The fact that we continue communicating should be proof enough that you are worth more than you wish to accept.
There's no need to think so negatively about yourself.
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I only thought it was factual. I suppose I can only see myself the way I do. Not as you do. Not as anyone else does. However that may be.
I am not good at discussions like these. I assume you knew that already.
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However, it's because I know how you are that I'm saying it at all.
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In spite of that, I will listen to what others have to say with an open mind. Including Dohalim. That was the man you saw.
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Good luck.
And if you wish to have a background check, just ask and I'll look into it.
[Joking? Serious? Both??]
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How strange to have someone else doing that for her.]
I doubt such will be necessary, but if it comes up, I will be certain to keep you informed. Thank you, Eustace. Again.
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